Official Launch of the STAR-EST Protection Project in Ituri
Strengthening protection and safeguarding measures for conflict-affected communities in Eastern DRC
The official launch workshop for the project “Consultancy services for the implementation of activities related to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) / Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) / Sexual Harassment (SH) under the Stabilization and Recovery of Eastern DRC Project (STAR-EST) in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri” took place on 5 August 2025 in Bunia, Ituri province.
The event was presided over by Dr. Jeanne Alasha Bahemurwaki, representing the Military Governor of Ituri province, Lieutenant-General Johnny Luboya N'Kashama. It brought together key stakeholders, including the Provincial Coordinator of the STAR-EST project, representatives from the OCHA Ituri office, and the Program Director of the Italian Cooperation in the DRC (COOPI).
Following the launch, the project team held an official meeting with the Military Governor himself, Lieutenant-General Johnny Luboya N'Kashama, to present in detail the project’s objectives and components.
Implemented as part of a Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo initiative with financial support from the World Bank, the project is delivered by a consortium of national and international NGOs — COOPI, ActionAid, Help a Child, HEAL Africa, and SOFEPADI — under the STAR-EST program. Spanning 12 months (June 2025 to June 2026), the project aims to strengthen protection mechanisms in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces, creating an environment where women, men, girls, and boys can live free from violence, access comprehensive and dignified care, and benefit from robust safeguarding measures.
The project specifically targets GBV survivors, pregnant and breastfeeding women, adolescent girls, unaccompanied and separated children, persons with disabilities, victims of explosive devices, marginalized and minority groups, young mothers, and former child soldiers. In total, approximately 219,400 people are expected to directly benefit from the planned activities.
In his message delivered by his representative, the Military Governor reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting survivors of violence and working closely with humanitarian and development partners to eliminate gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment in Eastern DRC. Members of the consortium emphasized the urgent need to restore safety, dignity, and resilience within conflict-affected communities, while reducing protection risks through coordinated, survivor-centered interventions.
